Frequently Asked Questions and Information

When are the elections and what elections are taking place?

On Thursday 4 May, residents in North Devon will be voting for a North Devon District Council councillors and possibly elections for some parish or town councils.

How can I vote at the May 2023 elections?

There are a number of ways to have your say in May. You can vote at a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote.

Voter ID

For this and future elections all electors attending the polling station to vote will require an acceptable form of photographic identification. If you do not have an acceptable ID you will be able to apply for a FREE voter identification certificate. We have put together a separate page with information regarding this.

Poll cards

Poll cards will be issued to all registered electors as soon as possible after the Notices of Election have been published at the end of March.

If you have not received a card by 7 April it may mean you are not registered. If you have moved in early 2023 you need to have ensured you have re-registered at your new address. Please contact electoral services if you have not received a poll card.

Poll cards are changing!

From May 2023, in order to list the suitable form of photo ID acceptable at a polling station, poll cards will be A4 size and delivered in an envelope. Acceptable ID will include a passport, driving licence and a national concessionary bus pass. Certain other ID will also be acceptable and will be listed on the back of the card. The ID does not have to be valid provided that the photograph is still a suitable likeness. If you do not have any of the ID listed, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate that will be posted direct to your registered address. We have put together a separate page with information regarding this.

Poll cards

The poll card will list the electoral areas - ward and parish council, though not all areas will have both elections as many parishes are likely to be uncontested. At the polling station and with postal votes, electors will be presented with one or two ballot papers - different colours.  It will say how many votes you have on each ballot paper.

Polling stations

Your poll card will tell you which polling station you need to go to.

Will I need to bring my own pen or pencil?

You are always welcome to use your own pen or pencil.

How do I register to vote?

To vote in any election in the UK, you must be registered to vote. It takes 5 minutes to register and you can do this online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

If you're unable to register online, you can apply by post. You can download the relevant forms at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/register-vote-and-update-your-details

Once you have completed the form and signed it, please send it to the address below:

Electoral Services
North Devon District Council
Lynton House
Commercial Road
Barnstaple
EX31 1DG

You can also scan and email your signed form to elections@northdevon.gov.uk

The last date to register for these elections is Monday 17th April 2023.

Absent Voting - Postal or Proxy Voting

If you are going to be away or have difficulties attending your polling station to vote you can set up an absent vote. This can be by postal voting or setting up a proxy to vote on your behalf.

Once you have printed off your form please scan it and email to elections@northdevon.gov.uk or return it by post to:
Electoral Services
North Devon Council
Lynton House
Commercial Road
Barnstaple
EX31 1DG

The last date to register to vote by post or postal proxy is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023. The last date to register to vote by using a proxy who will attend the polling station on your behalf is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Is voting by post safe?

Yes, voting by post is safe and proven cases of electoral fraud are rare. When voting by post, you should mark your vote on the ballot paper in secret, and seal the envelope yourself.

You will also be asked to give your date of birth and signature when applying for a postal or proxy vote. This makes postal voting safe, because when you return your postal voting pack your signature and date of birth are checked against those you provided before to confirm your identity.

Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.

Do I need identification to vote by post?

No, postal voting is not affected by the new requirement for voter ID. If you appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf at the polling station they will need to provide their identification when they attend to vote.

I have become ill or can't get to the Polling Station due to work after the close of proxy voting deadline?

You can apply for an emergency proxy up until 17:00 on the polling day.

How do I register to vote if I'm at university?

Students can vote using their university or home address. It is legal to be registered in two areas, but a criminal offence to vote in both if it is the same election. If students are already registered at their home address, they could use a postal vote or proxy vote if they are not there on election day.

People who are working away from home or on holiday on election day can also vote by post or proxy, which means nominating someone to cast a vote for you. Your proxy must be aged 18 or over and also registered. If you are suddenly incapacitated or taken ill after the close of proxy applications, you can apply for an emergency proxy up until 17:00 on the polling day.

What about the armed forces?

Members of the armed forces overseas, or their spouse or civil partner, can register as a service voter or ordinary voter to vote by post or proxy. A service voter means you are registered at a fixed address in the UK for five years.

Can I register to vote if I do not have a fixed address?

If you do not have a permanent address, you can register by filling in a "declaration of local connection" form.

Can I register to vote anonymously?

If you are concerned about your name and address appearing on the electoral register you need to fill in a form and provide evidence (ie court document or attestation) of why your safety - or that of someone in your household - would be at risk.

Can I get help with registering if I have a disability?

The Electoral Commission has produced an "easy-read" version of the registration form in English and Welsh. People with a disability can get help completing an application, but the person who wants to register to vote has to make the declaration.

Can I get help with voting if I have a disability?

Please visit our Help for Disabled Voters page.

How do I stand for the North Devon District Council Elections?

North Devon District Council have produced a fact sheet for potential candidates (pdf - 209kb). Details regarding Nomination Papers, the Notice of Election and absent voting details will be available on the current information page.

Who are the Candidates standing for the North Devon District Council Elections?

When the nomination process is over we will publish a list of the candidates available via the current information page.

Who are the Candidates standing for the Parish/Town Councils Elections?

When the nomination process is over we will publish a list of the candidates available via the current information page.

How can I see the Results

The district and parish council elections' verification and counts will take place overnight on Thursday/Friday 4/5 May 2023 at the Tarka Tennis Centre, Seven Brethren Bank, Barnstaple.  Full details will be provided to those entitled to attend.

Results will appear on this website available via the current information page after they are declared on Friday 5 May 2023.